John Vaden Welch Jr.

John was retired as a police officer, worked as a security officer and wildlife refuge-previously in Morgan County, Alabama. He was a member of Bethel Church of Christ. John Loved his family very much. He loved making ornate wood canes. John loved Native American Indian culture, figures, paintings, etc. He was part Cherokee Indian. He loved bears, wolves,eagles and Clydesdale horses. He loved shooting guns but did not really huntor fish. John was actually on TV when his daughter was a child, holding a baby alligator.

John was preceded in death by his mother Lois Headlee Cox; brothers Ed Welch, Steve Headlee and Christopher Headlee; grandsons Thomas W. Jordan III and Alexander DeCaro.

John is survived by his daughter Crystal " Christy" ( Kenneth White) Reese; granddaughter Patricia DeCaro and Jessica (Blaine) Baxter; great grandson Matthew DeCaro, Johnathan Decaro and baby boy Baxter ( Due in March); great granddaughter Lindsey Jordan; sisters-in-law Lois Headlee ( Christopher's wife) and Barbara Welch ( Ed's Wife); niece Jean Headlee; nephew Josh Headlee; cousin Frances Pursley and Madison Gable ( Thomas girlfriend); Madison Gable, granddaughter-in-law.

Memorial service will be held at later date.

please post a memory and /or photo of a special memory to share with everyone, the family would like to turn photos into a memory book and to keep and pass on to the grandchildren.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414. Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com